LEON RELISHING TOON RETURN

Striker looking forward to fantastic atmosphere as he goes back to St James' for the first time

Leon Best is relishing his first return to Newcastle since leaving the club four years ago when Town take on the Championship leaders at the weekend.

The Republic of Ireland international helped the Magpies into the Premier League after arriving at St James’ Park in February 2010 and went on to score 10 goals in 42 League appearances in his two years there.

He is likely to receive a warm return from the Toon Army on Saturday and is looking forward to a terrific atmosphere.

“Our fans are great and I’m told we are taking nearly 3000 and Newcastle’s support is massive. They are like the 12th man up there so it’s going to be a fantastic occasion,” Leon told Ipswich Player HD.

“It’s my first time going back and I’ve got some great memories from my time there. I’m really looking forward to it.

“They are on a good run but the boys are up for it and we will go there with confidence that we can get a result.

“People have made a lot of the fact that we have not scored loads of goals but we have had a lot of clean sheets and if you have that, you have a good foundation to build on.

“We kept another clean sheet on Tuesday and we created plenty of chances and scored two goals so we are turning that around now.

“I’m loving my time here and I’m getting closer to full fitness. I’m not as explosive as I’d like to be but it’s the first time in years that I have played virtually 90 minutes in four successive games.

“I’m feeling more confident every day, with the support I’ve had from the gaffer, TC, the lads, everyone here really. I think it’s only a matter of time now before I start scoring as well.”

Subscribers to Ipswich Player HD can watch the full interview with Leon now.